Seminar to deal with end-of-life issues

Published: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 7:48 a.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, April 25, 2013 at 7:48 a.m.

The idea of talking about death makes America uncomfortable, Dr. Bill Riceman said.

Riceman, 65, will host a seminar on how to deal with dying from 7 to 9 p.m. May 7 at Blue Ridge Christian Church in Mills River. The topic will be “Looking from the Bed: 101 tips to demonstrate love to the dying.”

Riceman, who has terminal heart disease, will talk to those in attendance about different ways to help during the transition toward death. The idea of mortality isn’t an easy one, but in actuality, American society goes a little beyond discomfort about the topic, Riceman said.

“We’re in a denial society when it comes to death,” he said. “We don’t even use the word ‘die.’ ” People often say “passed away” instead of dying, he added. In society, there’s funeral “homes.” These are just examples, he said, of how American society avoids thinking about death and finality.

Riceman earned a doctorate in medical ethics through courses at Harvard, Johns Hopkins University and Faith Theological Seminary.

He had a severe heart attack at age 44 and had open heart surgery. Recently, his heart disease has gotten worse.

“That adds a different dimension to this,” he said.

Riceman has written nine books and is a past Iowa Hospice Volunteer of the Year.

To sign up for the seminar, call 828-424-7344. The church is at 147 Warren Drive.

<p>The idea of talking about death makes America uncomfortable, Dr. Bill Riceman said.</p><p>Riceman, 65, will host a seminar on how to deal with dying from 7 to 9 p.m. May 7 at Blue Ridge Christian Church in Mills River. The topic will be “Looking from the Bed: 101 tips to demonstrate love to the dying.”</p><p>Riceman, who has terminal heart disease, will talk to those in attendance about different ways to help during the transition toward death. The idea of mortality isn't an easy one, but in actuality, American society goes a little beyond discomfort about the topic, Riceman said.</p><p>“We're in a denial society when it comes to death,” he said. “We don't even use the word 'die.' ” People often say “passed away” instead of dying, he added. In society, there's funeral “homes.” These are just examples, he said, of how American society avoids thinking about death and finality.</p><p>Riceman earned a doctorate in medical ethics through courses at Harvard, Johns Hopkins University and Faith Theological Seminary.</p><p>He had a severe heart attack at age 44 and had open heart surgery. Recently, his heart disease has gotten worse.</p><p>“That adds a different dimension to this,” he said.</p><p>Riceman has written nine books and is a past Iowa Hospice Volunteer of the Year.</p><p>To sign up for the seminar, call 828-424-7344. The church is at 147 Warren Drive.</p><p>Reach Millwood at 828-694-7881 or at joey. millwood@blueridgenow.com.</p>